CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — Around 100 fisherfolk from Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija received cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), providing immediate support to help sustain their fishing livelihood amid rising fuel costs.
The assistance, distributed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is one of the government’s interventions aimed at providing timely assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, particularly those facing challenges that affect their livelihoods and capacity to continue food production.
For local fisherfolk, the financial assistance serves as additional support for their day-to-day operating expenses, including fuel needed for fishing activities.
Jeffrey Atendido of Barangay Poblacion, one of the beneficiaries, expressed his appreciation for the assistance, saying it would help ease their expenses amid the continuing challenges brought by rising fuel costs.
“Ang programa pong ito ay makakatulong sa amin ng malaki lalo na ngayon na may pinagdadaanang krisis sa gasolina. Nakakabawas po sa mga pang-araw-araw na gastusin. May pambili po ulit kaming gasolina,” Atendido said.
Representatives from BFAR, the Municipal Government of Pantabangan, and other local partners joined the activity to ensure the orderly delivery of assistance to the beneficiary fisherfolk.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the agriculture and fisheries sector by providing interventions that help farmers and fisherfolk remain productive, sustain their livelihoods, and contribute to the country’s food security.
BFAR Region III continues to implement programs and interventions that provide concrete support to fisherfolk across Central Luzon, reinforcing the government’s efforts to build a more resilient agriculture and fisheries sector and improve the welfare of those who help sustain the country’s food supply. (CLJD/CNG, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
